2013
WISE Score
Desmond Tutu teaches your kid how to handle a racial slur with more grace than most adults, using a bike and some very 'bitter' words.
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This isn't your standard, fluffy 'everyone be friends' picture book. It’s a masterclass in radical forgiveness from one of the world’s greatest moral leaders.
It’s honest about how much it hurts to be targeted and even more honest about the 'poison' of holding onto a grudge. If you want to raise a kid who can navigate a complicated world without losing their soul, put this on the shelf. It’s essential reading, period.
Perfect for the 6-10 crowd. Younger kids will understand the 'bullying' aspect, but the historical weight of South African apartheid is a great entry point for older elementary kids to talk about justice.
It handles the complex reality of racial prejudice and the emotional weight of bullying with incredible maturity. It models radical forgiveness and emotional regulation without being preachy.
The book uses a brilliant sensory metaphor—comparing the 'taste' of words to sweetness or bitterness—to help kids visualize how language affects their inner state.
While it depicts a painful encounter with a racial slur, it does so in a controlled, educational environment. It's safe because it addresses real-world harm with a clear path toward healing.
This is top-tier emotional intelligence. It teaches kids that getting even doesn't actually make the 'bitter taste' go away, which is a lesson most adults still haven't learned.
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